The first segment of the 2024 second year of The Granite Travel
Trade Expos was a resounding success, with more than 375 travel agents and 28 suppliers in
attendance last week. The series began April 22 in Windsor, ON and finished April 25 in Barrie,
ON and is being praised for providing opportunities in smaller markets that are often
under serviced.
“The feedback we’ve had this year from our suppliers and agents who attended, has been
extremely positive,” said Bradley Dean, Oakville Toronto Partner, Granite Productions. “We
knew our second year was going to be even better than the first and we’re happy we achieved
that, largely due in part to the support of all our suppliers who attended. Travel agents were very
appreciative of our shows, numerous inquiries and requests from agents outside the markets we
were in, to please hold one in their city. It’s really been wonderful.”
In its second year, the series of regional travel trade events are designed to connect industry
suppliers and top- producing travel agents, facilitating valuable and essential in-person
interactive consultations and presentations. Each city was MC’d by industry favourite Sal
Buccellato and featured a presentation series featuring 15-minute segments by suppliers and
was followed by a trade show, dinner, and prize giveaways.
The Expos were sponsored by St. Kitts and Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts and in
attendance were suppliers; Antigua and Barbuda, Auto Europe, Bahamas Tourist Office, Blue
Diamond Resorts, BlueBay Hotels, Canada Jetlines, Catalonia Hotels and Resorts, Collette,
Coming2, Cuba Tourist Board, Expedia TAAP, Hilton All-Inclusive & Hilton by Playa, Jamaica
Tourist Board, Majestic Resorts, Oasis Hotels and Resorts, Playa Hotels & Resorts, Princess
Hotels & Resorts Jamaica, Princess Hotels and Resorts Dominican Republic, Puerto Vallarta,
Sandals, Sandos Hotels & Resorts, SATA Azores Airlines, Sirenis Hotels & Resorts, Tauck,
Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, Visit Atlantic City, Visit Myrtle Beach, Visit Orlando, Viva Resorts
by Wyndham and JacTravel.
Sense of ease to attend in terms of smaller venues, free parking and short drive times were
among the positive feedback from agents in attendance.
“I really enjoyed the smaller venue, the conversations with the suppliers were more intimate and
one on one,” said Sheryll Donovan, Northstar Travel, Kitchener . “There was less congestion at
the supplier tables than in a bigger venue and the suppliers seemed less stressed - there is
value in that. There were suppliers at the Granite Travel Trade Expo that I haven't seen in some time and it was nice to reconnect with them. Building relationships with suppliers is always a
win-win for everybody.”
"Attending the Granite Travel Trade Expo was an enriching experience,” said Patrick Sullivan,
Sullivan’s Travels/Travel Edge, Windsor . “The valuable feedback received promises to propel
my business forward. Engaging with suppliers at the event underscored the significance of
fostering connections in the travel industry. Overall, this event was insightful and will play a role
in the growth of my business."
The Granite Travel Trade Expos are now gearing up for the Fall shows kicking off in Winnipeg
October 7. The full schedule is as follows:
Winnipeg, MB: October 7, 2024
Victoria, BC: October 9, 2024
Langley, BC: October 10, 2024
Ottawa: Nov. 4, 2024
Richmond Hill Nov. 5, 2024
London: Nov. 6, 2024
Hamilton : Nov. 7, 2024
Multi show discounts up to 20% are available to vendors wishing to participate in the Expos. For
more information and registration click: www.GraniteTravelExpos.com or contact Bradley
Dean [email protected].
Topics From This Article to Explore
